Archive for » October 7th, 2017«

Today’s general population works long hours and puts such an emphasis on work performance that many often multitask during mealtime, continuing to work while eating. The combination of having to transport a plate or bowl of food from the kitchen to a workspace and lack of focus on the meal at hand can result in the loss of eating utensils along the way.

An inventor from Detroit, Mich., has invented the patent-pending D.S. DINNERWARE, a device that secures utensils to plates or bowls, eliminating the risk of the utensil falling off the plate and onto the ground. “I grew sick and tired of having my fork fall off my plate,” said the inventor. “I invented this device as a way to prevent that from happening ever again.” D.S. DINNERWARE saves users time and effort by reducing cleanup time of utensils and eliminates the hassle of having to bend over to pick up or replace dropped silverware.

This invention would appeal to the general population, but would be especially beneficial for busy homemakers, college students and more. It provides individuals with easy access to silverware when desired. Additionally, it is durable, attractive and easy to use.

The original design was submitted to the Bingham Farms office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 16-BGF-2110, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp’s Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com – https://www.youtube.com/user/inventhelp

TIME is running out to apply for a cash boost of up to £10,000 for your charity’s local project.

Each year the Gannett Foundation sifts through hundreds of applications to find local causes most in need of help, and yours could be next.

But you’ll have to hurry, with applications closing at the end of the working day on Monday.

Another of the success stories from the Gannett Foundation, set up by the Oxford Mail’s parent company Gannett Media, is a school for children with special needs will soon be serving up taste treats in a wheelchair-friendly kitchen thanks to a grant.

The Friends of Bardwell special education school in Bicester, which teaches around 70 children and young adults aged from two to 19, was awarded £4,000 last year.

Later this month they will use the money to replace and modernise the school’s life skills kitchen so that it is accessible for wheelchair users. This will include adapting accessories as well as kitchen utensils and cooking appliances.

Bardwell was one of five charities in Oxfordshire given a share of £30,000 to fund everything from outings for young carers to refurbishing a play area in December 2016.

Headteacher John Riches said: “The money is going to make a tremendous difference to our students who will be able to enjoy a truly accessible kitchen.

“Bardwell is all about providing an individualised and well-rounded learning experience, so the changes to the kitchen will allow pupils to be even more independent.”

In the school’s original application, Sarah Stevenson explained the funding was especially important for Bardwell as the school was so small and that meant the fundraising committee’s time and resources were limited.

She added the children being able to make their own food and drink was a ‘vital’ life skill, explaining: “Preparation of food or cakes can start at a very young age. The kitchen plays an important part in this process, with these additional life skills the students will hopefully be more prepared for life after Bardwell.”

The refurbishment will take place during the school’s October half term break.

This year the criteria for Gannett funding has been expanded to include one-day or limited-time events.

Mr Riches encouraged other groups to apply for the grant, saying: “It’s easy to do and can make a massive difference so there’s really no reason not to put in an a bid.”

All applications must be submitted by 5pm on Monday. They will only be accepted if submitted on an approved entry form, available from oxfordmail.co.uk/news/community/gannettfoundation.

These must be sent with supporting evidence to gannettapplications@nqo.com or by post to Oxford Mail, Newsquest Oxfordshire and Wiltshire, Osney Mead, Oxford, OX2 0EJ.

Pam MacKenzie and Tracey Heisler, executive director of CASA of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties, thank all those who donated dolls to give to foster girls. This includes foster girls in Middlesex County, too.Pamela MacKenzie/Staff Video

Over two acres and 75,000 square feet of merchandise awaits bargain-hunting shoppers under the tents at the VNA Fall Rummage Sale. The sale takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 6, 7 and 8, at the Far Hills Fairgrounds, at the intersection of Route 202 and Peapack Road in Far Hills. The sale is open 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, rain or shine.

Proceeds from the Rummage Sale support VNA home health, hospice and palliative care, adult day, and wellness services that improve the health and quality of life of community members in need. In addition, this fall a portion of the funds raised will be directed to relief agencies helping those impacted by the recent hurricanes in Florida, Texas and the Caribbean.

“As a mission-based organization with a tradition of community care, the VNASH understands the importance of providing on-the-ground, non-profit relief agencies with funds they can use to provide exactly the type of disaster relief supplies that are going to be most helpful,” said Dan Powell, president and CEO, VNA of Somerset Hills.

Merchandise has been carefully sorted, checked for damage, cleaned, and organized for display by more than 450 volunteers.

What to Know:

Rain or shine.

Parking and admission are free. Handicap parking is available.

Credit cards (Mastercard and Visa), cash, and checks accepted in all departments. Photo identification may be required for credit cards and checks.

Flu shots (individuals over 18) will be available at the VNA information tent Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The cost per flu shot is $25 and is free for those covered under Medicare Part B (card required for verification.) No Medicare Advantage plans, private insurance, or Medicaid will be accepted as payment. Shots are also free for Far Hills residents with ID.

Short walking distance from the NJ Transit Far Hills Station.

Food is available for purchase, cash only.

Strollers and shopping carts are welcome on the grounds but, for safety reasons, not allowed inside any of the tents or departments.

About VNA of Somerset Hills

The Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills and its subsidiaries provide individuals and families with quality-focused, cost-effective home health, hospice, adult day, and community wellness services to all those in need. The VNA is a charitable, tax-exempt home health agency and hospice certified by Medicare, accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP) and licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. Credentials include recognition as a 2016 HomeCare Elite® Agency. Visit www.visitingnurse.org.

From classic dolls houses and train sets to rocking unicorns and smoothie makers, Aldi’s new nostalgic collection of great-value wooden toys – set to hit stores and online from the 26th October – has everything parents need to inspire their children to step away from the electronics this Christmas!

The quality FSC certified wooden toy line up includes both classic and modern options, and is sure to leave grown-ups reminiscing and keep kids entertained for hours.

Along with this classic new Wooden Rocking Horse (£27.99), Aldi has also tapped into the unicorn craze by introducing this trendy Wooden Rocking Unicorn (£27.99); a modern twist on the original, it’s perfect for parents looking for something a little different.

This beautiful Wooden Doll’s House (£29.99) makes for a truly magical gift. It comes with three floors, a lift-up roof and is purposefully designed to allow for simple assembly. Fill with the Wooden Doll’s House Furniture (£12.99) – a 21-piece set including everything from an oven and fridge to a wardrobe and sofa – so little ones will have everything they require to start playing house this Christmas.

Aldi’s on-trend Large Wooden Kitchen (£29.99) is just the thing for budding chefs. It’s available in grey or pink, is made from solid wood and comes complete with an oven, hob, sink, shelving unit and even an educational chalk panel.

Why not go all out and team with Aldi’s modern Kitchen Sets and Accessories (from £9.99 – £12.99) – there’s everything from a wooden toaster and food set to a coffee and smoothie maker to choose from.

Back by popular demand, Aldi’s modern Wooden Railway (£14.99) and Road Sets (£14.99) both come complete with an expertly crafted array of wooden vehicles and are fantastic timeless toys for little ones to open under the tree.

This modern Wooden Work Bench and Tools (£34.99) is a great new addition to the range for children who are keen to try their hand at DIY. Or, the ageless Wooden Pram, Cot and Highchair (£14.99) are just the thing for children wanting to mimic their parents.

Check out this new and fantastic Wooden Playshop/Theatre (£34.99), offering two great role plays in one. On one side, the play shop features two shelves with storage trays to show off produce, including a starter set of three fruits and three vegetables. Wannabe grocers can even use the mini blackboard to showcase their prices and promotions. Twist around and the theatre side features a red stage curtain and a large blackboard, perfect for listing their plays and performances.

For those looking for an extra special gift, Aldi are offering the high-quality Premium Wooden Kitchen (£79.99) and Premium Kitchen Accessories (Price TBC) – available online only. Little ones can cook up imaginary feasts with the help of this beautiful toy kitchen unit, complete with an oven, hob, washing machine, storage cupboards and more, all in a decorative blue and green colour palette which both parents and children will enjoy.

Aldi’s October Toy Event is available in stores and online at Aldi.co.uk on the 26th October, but shoppers best be quick, as with all Specialbuys, once they’re gone, they’re gone!

The view of the Cape Fear River is what drew Jenny McKinnon Wright to her downtown house.

By Allison Ballard StarNews Correspondent

The river views were what hooked Jenny McKinnon Wright. Otherwise, the Queen Anne-style home might not have been her first choice, she said. But the back porch that draws you to sit and watch the Cape Fear River roll by was too impossible to resist.

On Oct. 14, others will be able to appreciate the view when the home is one of nine on the 12th annual Back Door Kitchen Tour, a fundraiser for the Residents of Old Wilmington. The inspiration for the event was to host a tour that would be casual in nature. “Friends come through the back door,” said Ginger Garrard, chairperson of the tour. Attendees get a closer look at the cooking and living space of a wide variety of downtown Wilmington homes, both old and new.

Wright, an actress, artist and designer first came to Wilmington in 1986 to be a part of the local theater community. She purchased the Philander Pearsall House, which was built in 1899, a few years after she arrived, and operated a bed-and-breakfast there until 2003 when she made it her home.

“It was really in great shape,” she said. “Most of what I’ve done is cosmetic stuff.”

The house is perched above Elijah’s restaurant on Front St. and tour-goers can take in the porch, the kitchen with a turn-of-the-century inspired porcelain tile floor, and the two downstairs living spaces. One is adjacent to the porch, and gets a lot of bright light. “This tends to be where we spend the warmer months,” she said. There’s also a cozy, interior space filled with Wright’s tribute to her Scottish heritage and is home to her husband Richard Knight’s tidy work space.

Those who drive or walk by this house are likely intrigued by the peachy exterior and it’s turret. She made the most of that space by converting it to a music room, with a Baldwin grand piano. “It’s really an acoustic shell,” she said, of the curved corner of the room. She and her husband have hosted a number of song-filled fundraisers for local theater there.

Wright has worked as a designer for more than 19 years and created a warm-and-welcoming look that was influenced by a small window panel.“The stained glass above the front door inspired the color scheme,” she said. The inglenook off the foyer serves as a kind of impromptu gallery for Wright’s artwork and the dining room is home to heirlooms from her great-grandfather’s family.

Although it’s not on the tour, the upstairs of the house features a guest bedroom filled with her family’s furniture, and another that has a blue-and-white upholstered reading nook in the turreted space. Wright also added an upstairs porch off the master bedroom to make the most of the river setting and a hallway that used to connect to bedrooms in now an accessories closet. Wright uses a studio overlooking Front St. to help creates her impressionistic oil paintings.